by Lorie Lewis Ham

The Visalia Rawhide Baseball Club opens their new season on April 9 at 7 p.m., and we took a moment a couple of weeks ago to chat with Donny Baarns, their director of broadcasting and media relations, about the new season.

KRL: Do you have new players this season? If so, can you tell us a little about some of them?

Donny: We don’t get our new roster until less than a week before the season. The players are still finishing up spring training in Arizona, and then they’re assigned to different levels of the Diamondbacks’ farm system at the end.

KRL: Any new coaching staff?

Donny: J.R. House is our Manager this year. He won the Northwest League championship last year in his first season as a minor league manager, so we’re excited to have him!

KRL: Anything else new this season?

Donny: We have a new system for our concession stands this season, which will allow people to use credit and debit cards when purchasing food. It’s a big improvement, and should make things much more convenient for our fans! Also, we’ll be wearing “Visalia” jerseys on the road this year, and explicitly representing our city pride when we’re traveling throughout the California League.

KRL: What kind of special events are planned for this season?

Donny: We’ll again have our annual Helicopter Candy Drop, several Fireworks Nights, our Belle of the Ballpark grandma beauty pageant, and many others. Folks can visit RawhideBaseball.com and click on “Tickets and Promotions” for more info on dates and times.

KRL: What kind of food can people find at the games this season?

Donny: Besides the usual ballpark favorites, we’ll also have tacos, tri-tip, fresh local lemonade from Lindcove Ranch Farms, and many others. Come hungry (and thirsty)!

KRL: How do people purchase tickets, and what are ticket prices this year?

Donny: They can buy tickets online at RawhideBaseball.com, over the phone at 732-HIDE, or in person at the ticket window on Giddings Street!

KRL: Anything else you would like to add?

Donny: We’re continuing to add small improvements to the park and the fan experience every year, and we’re continuing to grow. We’re so appreciative of the region’s support, and can’t wait to see everyone at the ballpark soon!

Watch for more sports articles in KRL’s sport section.

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and an enthusiastic contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet.